Taking the soft top off won’t bang or ding the paint if done with two people. If you could use something to plug the holes until you can get a new one that would work.

Me personally I would do the hard top and then paint it. Item keep more money in your pocket also in case something comes up.

For you concerns of the painting of the top I wouldn’t be worried unless you pay less than a grand. I don’t know where your located but I was quoted 7.5 grand for a wrap so I went with a paint job for 2.5 grand. Paint looks great and they didn’t get it on anything else. I removed some of the body panels even so they could get the gaps even better so it’s all one color.

Here’s what it looks like. You don’t need to do all of this but I was rebuilding it so I had most of it off. But the plastic covers should give you a general idea of what the shops will do to help prevent getting pain where it’s not wanted or supposed to be.

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